Using maps to design appropriate interventions

THE Peace and Equity Foundation and Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (KCOOP) will soon use a geospatial or mapping technology to assist them in dealing with risks and vulnerabilities in their areas of intervention.

Organized by the National Resilience Council, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo), and Manila Observatory, the online six-day training workshop on web-based Geospatial Risk Database covered the basic concepts, components and interpretations of risk assessment, and Geographic Information System mapping for a risk-informed decision making.

Xavier Ateneo’s Dexter Lo shared how they created their mapping tool, in consultation with the Department of Health Region 10, to design an online map that looked into the number of Covid- 19 cases, hospitals, and households with access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in Cagayan.

“In the earlier part of the pandemic, we’ve been tracking the situation in Northern Mindanao. However, we realized there are distinct geographical characteristics. This gave us the idea that it is wise to look at where the problem is aside from what the problem is and how it is developing”.

According to K-COOP General Manager Maria Anna De RosasIgnacio, the mapping will help the cooperative in their operations in the urban areas, some of which are prone to disasters and hazards.

“This exercise will enable PEF to maximize the use of a risk database system to make timely decisions, and design appropriate programs, policies, and technologies in our priority areas,” PEF Executive Director Roberto Calingo said.